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Players not thinking what Andrus deal means for them

Elvis Andrus and the Texas Rangers discuss the eight-year extension that will keep the young infielder with the club through 2022

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Elvis Andrus has an eight-year, $120 million contract, and his teammates are happy for him.

"He's worked hard for it and deserves it," second baseman Ian Kinsler said before the Rangers' home opener, against the Angels on Friday.

The home opener was not the time for Kinsler or others to reflect on what this might mean for them in the future. Kinsler is signed through 2017, but the Rangers also have middle infielder Jurickson Profar, their top prospect, playing shortstop at Triple-A Round Rock. Club officials admit that somebody could be traded or switch positions at some point, but that decision is far in the future.

"I'm just trying to win today," Kinsler said. "I'm not worried about next year or last year. We want to win as many games as we can and not worry about next year. As far as who has the longer contract or that we've got our infield locked down for years, we not thinking about that. ... 2013 is what's important."

Right now, Andrus is the only one getting a long-term extension. Outfielders David Murphy and Nelson Cruz are unsigned beyond this year and can be free agents at the end of the season. The Rangers have had only token conversations with both about long-term deals, and nothing serious ever came up during Spring Training.

"The season has started," Murphy said. "It's one thing to think about it in the offseason or Spring Training, when things are more relaxed. We're in the regular season now; that's not something to think about or focus on. I have a job to do for my teammates and coaching staff.

"In my mind, I'm not expecting anything to happen. I'm expecting to play hard this year and see what happens in free agency and this offseason."